The effect of essential oils nanoemulsion on the plant growth and suppression of basal stem rot disease in chili pepper

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of essential oils nanoemulsion on the growth and suppression of basal stem rot disease in chili pepper. The research was conducted in a controlled greenhouse environment using a completely randomized design consisting of eight treatments and three replications. The treatments involved varying concentrations of essential oils nanoemulsion formula and mancozeb, as well as a control group. The growth potential of chili seeds was assessed by soaking them in the treatment solutions and observing their growth after planting. Disease efficacy was determined by applying the formula around the planting media of 45-day-old plants and subsequently inoculating them with P. capsici zoospores. Disease observations were made starting from three days after inoculation until the control plants exhibited a score of 5. The results demonstrated that the formula effectively enhanced plant growth, with the best treatment showed by Na 0.5%. Furthermore, the nanoemulsion at all tested concentrations demonstrated significant suppression of the disease, with the most effective treatments were presented by Na 1.5%, Na 3.0%, and Na 2.0% in that order. These findings suggest that the formula is promosing to control the disease of basal stem rot in chili plants in field conditions.